CMB.TECH's MINERAL EUROPA, the first ammonia-fueled bulk carrier, embarks on its maiden voyage, marking a milestone in sustainable shipping.
Belgian shipping company CMB.TECH announced that the 210,000 DWT capacity MINERAL EUROPA, introduced as the world's first ammonia-fueled bulk carrier, has commenced its maiden voyage. The Newcastlemax type vessel, built in China, set sail on October 9, 2026, heading to Australia.
According to CMB.TECH's statement, MINERAL EUROPA has become the first ship in the company's new generation of bulk carrier fleet that can operate on ammonia fuel.
MINERAL EUROPA was constructed at the Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding yard, which is part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).
The vessel, with a carrying capacity of 210,000 DWT, is equipped with a dual-fuel main engine that can operate on ammonia and traditional marine fuels.
After completing sea trials, the ship was delivered to CMB.TECH on October 9 and began its first voyage.
MINERAL EUROPA will serve under a charter agreement with the Australian mining company Fortescue.
The ship is expected to transport iron ore from Australia’s Pilbara region and deliver its cargo to international markets, primarily in China.
The agreement made in June between CMB.TECH's dry bulk shipping company Bocimar and Fortescue encompasses the chartering of up to 12 Newcastlemax type vessels.
It is anticipated that three of these ships will be operational with ammonia dual-fuel engines by the end of 2026, while the remaining nine will be delivered in a manner that allows for future conversion to ammonia use.
According to Riviera Maritime Media, MINERAL EUROPA received approximately 1,000 tons of green ammonia fuel for its maiden voyage.
The vessel features an X72DF-A type dual-fuel main engine developed by Switzerland-based WinGD.
This system allows ammonia to be used as the primary fuel while requiring a small amount of pilot fuel during the combustion process.
According to WinGD's test results, the engine operating in ammonia mode can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 90% compared to traditional diesel fuel operation.
CMB.TECH announced plans to add a total of 21 ammonia-fueled ships to its fleet by 2029.
The company’s new ship program consists of 18 bulk carriers, one container ship, and two chemical tankers.
The majority of the planned vessels are expected to be delivered within the next nine months.
CMB.TECH is also investing in ammonia storage facilities and fuel supply barges to meet the fuel needs of the new ships.
CMB.TECH CEO Alexander Saverys, in a statement regarding the commencement of MINERAL EUROPA's maiden voyage, noted that they have been working on the development of ammonia-fueled ships for nearly a decade.
Saverys expressed that MINERAL EUROPA demonstrates that this technology can be utilized in large ocean-going vessels.
He stated that the company's decarbonization efforts have now entered the implementation phase and that new ammonia-fueled ships will join the fleet in the coming months and years.
According to CMB.TECH, green ammonia, which can be produced from renewable energy, water, and air, does not generate direct carbon dioxide emissions when used in ship engines.
However, due to the pilot fuel used in dual-fuel engines, the total greenhouse gas emissions of the vessel are not completely zeroed out.
With the entry into service of MINERAL EUROPA, ammonia-fueled propulsion technology has transitioned into the commercial application phase in large-tonnage dry bulk shipping.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
